Function Of System Research Articles

Correlations Between Mandibular Kinematics and Electromyography During the Masticatory Cycle: An Observational Study by Digital Analysis

The analysis of the masticatory cycle plays a fundamental role in studying the functions of the stomatognathic system and evaluating temporomandibular dysfunctions (TMD). The primary objective of this study is to investigate the complex interplay between mandibular kinematics and surface electromyography (sEMG) activity during the masticatory cycle using advanced 4D dentistry technology in 22 healthy subjects (without TMD). By employing electromyography, it becomes feasible to capture the electrical activity of the masticatory muscles throughout the chewing process. The BTS TMJOINT (© 2023 BTS Bioengineering, Garbagnate Milanese, MI, Italy) electromyograph was utilized in this study. Mandibular tracking, on the other hand, allows for recording the movements of the mandible during chewing and condylar slopes. This latest technology (ModJaw®, Tech in motion™, Villeurbanne, France) utilizes motion sensors placed on the jaw to accurately track three-dimensional movements, including jaw opening, closing, and lateral movements. Nowadays, in clinical gnathology, it is common practice to examine masticatory function by analyzing mandibular kinematics and muscle contraction as distinct entities. Similarly, the results obtained from these analyses are typically assessed independently. The investigation of a correlation between electromyography data and mandibular kinematics during the masticatory cycle could provide several advantages for clinicians in diagnosis and lead to a combined analysis of muscle activities and intraarticular dynamics. In conclusion, it can be inferred from the results obtained in the present study that the chewing cycle with a greater vertical movement results in increased masseter muscular activity, and condylar slopes are positively correlated to an increase in temporalis muscle activation. This comprehensive approach can provide valuable insights into the relationship between muscle activity and mandibular movement, enabling clinicians to gain a deeper understanding of the functional dynamics of the stomatognathic system.

Subjective visual vertical/horizontal and video head impulse test in dyslexic children.

Different studies have tried to establish a relationship between dyslexia and the vestibular system function. Subjective Visual Vertical/Horizontal (SVV and SVH) and Video Head Impulse Test (VHIT) are useful for studying the vestibular system and can be easily performed in children. Our aim was to evaluate the vestibular function in dyslexic children by SVV/SVH and VHIT. We enrolled 18 dyslexic children (10M/8F; mean age 10.7 ± 2.3 years; range 7-14 years) and 18 age-matched children with typical development of learning abilities. All children performed VHIT, SVV and SVH. We found normal gain and symmetry of vestibulo-ocular-reflex both in dyslexic and typically developing children. Fifteen out of 18 dyslexic children (83.3%) showed a difference of at least one amongst SVV or SVH. The mean value of SVV was 2.3° and the mean value of SVH was 2.6°. Statistical analysis showed a significant difference between typically developing and dyslexic children for both SVV and SVH. We confirm a relationship between dyslexia and the alteration of SVV and SVH. Our results could be related to the pathogenetic hypothesis of a visual processing impairment related to a dysfunction of the magnocellular pathway or to a general deficit related to a multimodal cortical network.

A health system assessment approach to analysis of political parties' health proposals, Portugal.

Comparing health policy measures before elections and identifying potential gaps in the health policy debate can be challenging. We explored the use of the Health System Performance Assessment for Universal Health Coverage framework to analyse health policy proposals by classifying health policy measures outlined in political manifestos into four health system functions: governance, financing, resource generation and service delivery. As a case study, we analysed the political manifestos of all Portuguese parties with parliamentary representation ahead of the election in March 2024. We calculated the share of measures per health system function for individual political manifestos and identified potential gaps in the health policy debate. When required, we used additional classification criteria and local expertise on political and institutional knowledge. A snap general election was announced in Portugal in November2023, following an alleged corruption scandal, and political parties began publishing their manifestos on their websites in January2024. We identified and classified 350 health-related measures across the four functions: governance, 29.7% (104 measures); financing, 16.9% (59 measures); resource generation, 33.4% (117 measures); and service delivery, 20.0% (70 measures). These findings enabled characterization of the priorities of parties, facilitated cross-party comparisons and identified missing topics in the political debate. We show that the framework can be adapted to analyse political manifestos, providing a systematic method for comparing and synthesizing health policy proposals. We further demonstrate the potential for extending the framework's applicability beyond health system performance assessment, opening new avenues for policy analysis.

Evaluation of Glymphatic System Development in Neonatal Brain via Diffusion Analysis along the Perivascular Space Index.

Glymphatic system is a recently discovered macroscopic waste clearance system associated with numerous neurological diseases. However, little is known about glymphatic system development in neonates. We sought to evaluate diffusion along the perivascular space (ALPS) index, a proxy for glymphatic system function, in neonates and investigate its potential associations with maturation, sex, and preterm birth. Diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data in 418 neonates, including 92 preterm neonates (57 males) and 326 term neonates (175 males), from the Developing Human Connectome Project were used for evaluating ALPS index. Linear regression modeling was performed to assess group differences in the ALPS index according to preterm birth and sex. Pearson's and partial correlation analysis were performed to assess the association between the ALPS index and gestational age (GA) as well as postmenstrual age (PMA) at MRI. Moderation analysis was performed to assess the moderation effect of preterm birth on the relationship between the ALPS index and PMA. Compared to term neonates, preterm neonates exhibited lower ALPS indices (p < 0.001). The ALPS index positively correlated with PMA (p = 0.004) and GA (p < 0.001). Preterm birth (p = 0.013) had a significant moderation effect on the relationship between the ALPS index and PMA. Sex had no significant direct effect (p = 0.639) or moderation effect (p = 0.333) on ALPS index. Glymphatic system development is a dynamic process in neonates, which can be moderated by preterm birth, the ALPS index could serve as a sensitive biomarker for monitoring this process. ANN NEUROL 2024;96:970-980.

Potential mechanism of CARD16 protein action and susceptibility to sepsis in the elderly infected population: Through transcriptome analysis of blood

As global aging accelerates, the super-elderly population is at higher risk of infectious diseases, especially sepsis, a condition that may be associated with declining immune system function and abnormal inflammatory responses. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of CARD16 protein in sepsis susceptibility in the elderly population and its potential mechanism, and to reveal the expression characteristics of CARD16-related genes through blood transcriptomic analysis. Transcriptome sequencing was conducted on peripheral blood samples obtained from patients suffering from senile sepsis, along with samples from a healthy elderly control group. To examine the differences in gene expression, bioinformatics techniques were employed to compare the expression levels of CARD16-related genes between the two groups. Additionally, a comprehensive analysis was performed on the downstream inflammatory pathways and cytokines that are regulated by CARD16.The findings from the transcriptome analysis indicated that the expression of CARD16 was markedly upregulated in the cohort of patients experiencing hypersenile sepsis. This upregulation was associated with an increase in a variety of pro-inflammatory factors. Further network analysis suggested that CARD16 may potentiate the inflammatory response by modulating the NF-κB signaling pathway, which could consequently heighten the patients' vulnerability to sepsis.In comparison to the healthy elderly control group, the levels of anti-inflammatory genes in the super-elderly cohort were found to be significantly diminished. This observation points to a notable imbalance in immune regulation, further emphasizing the altered immune response in individuals with senile sepsis.

Inhibition of denitrification and enhancement of microbial interactions in the AGS system by high concentrations of quinoline

Quinoline represents a highly toxic and structurally stable nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compound in coking wastewater, posing a potential threat to human beings and the ecological environment. In this study, we investigated the impact of gradually elevating quinoline concentration on pollutant removal efficiency, sludge characteristics, microbial community and their interactions in the aerobic granular sludge (AGS) system. The results demonstrated that AGS was capable of effectively degrading quinoline, with a final removal rate of 90 mg/L quinoline reaching 98.54 ± 0.28%. Notably, the denitrification process was significantly impeded in the presence of 90 mg/L quinoline, with the Phase D effluent displaying a notably high NO3--N concentration of 37.09 ± 21.81 mg/L, primarily attributed to the reduced abundance of norank_f_A4b bacteria. As the quinoline concentration increased, the sludge particle size diminished from 3.46 to 2.60 mm, while the settling performance deteriorated significantly, escalating from 31.29 ± 1.63 mL/g to 62.32 ± 2.87 mL/g. Meanwhile, the protein (PN) content in EPS gradually increased (from 19.87 ± 0.88 mg/g MLVSS to 51.22 ± 3.21 mg/g MLVSS), while the polysaccharide (PS) content fluctuated. Quinoline profoundly modified microbial community composition and structure, with deterministic processes dominating community assembly. Network analysis indicated intensified and complex microbial interactions at 90 mg/L quinoline, characterized by significantly higher positive correlations. In addition, rare taxa (RT) dominated the network nodes, with 74 of 93 key species belonging to RT, highlighting their pivotal roles in sustaining system functions and strengthening microbial connections. This study provides new insights into the effects of quinoline on microbial community structure and interactions in AGS system.

Point spread function engineering enable resolution enhanced imaging for Interferenceless coded aperture correlation holography

The point spread function (PSF) of an optical system could characterize the resolving ability of the whole optical system for point light sources. Therefore, the imaging performance of the system could be significantly improved by regulating and optimizing the PSF. In this paper, we innovatively propose a single-exposure hologram resolution enhanced cross-correlation (RECC) method for Interferenceless coded aperture holography(I-COACH) system, circumventing the necessity to obtain the point spread hologram (PSH) of an ideal point object. The RECC method firstly acquires an approximate image of a large-size point object by Lucy-Richardson (LR) algorithm in lens imaging mode, and takes it as a PSF to acquire a PSH with ideal size of the I-COACH system by LR algorithm again, and finally acquires a reconstructed image by the single-exposure hologram RECC method. In the RECC method, the approximate ideal PSHs at different axial positions of the system are acquired by offline operation, therefore, it has a high imaging temporal resolution, and the imaging transverse resolution is not affected by the size of the point objects at the time of recording the PSH, which provides a high imaging signal-to-noise ratio and stable resolution. The proposed method provides powerful technical support for further extending the application field of the I-COACH system, and provides technical reference for other incoherent imaging.

APPLICATION OF EUROPEAN CORPORATE GOVERNANCE PRINCIPLES IN THE PLANNING ACTIVITIES OF POST-WAR UKRAINE'S MULTI-LEVEL CONSUMER CO-OPERATION SYSTEM

The Association Agreement between Ukraine and the EU requires Ukraine to consider the adoption of a European model of corporate governance. The EU has a wealth of experience in the effective management of consumer co-operation, which can inform the development of best practices for Ukraine. The subject of the study is the adaptation and substantiation of the current specifics of the application of European principles of corporate governance in the process of planning the activities of a multi-level system of consumer co-operation in Ukraine. This study employs a range of general scientific methods, including modelling, economic analysis, forecasting, a system approach and synthesis. These methods have been used to develop generalisations and conclusions related to the object of research as a whole, namely the multi-level and multi-sectoral system of consumer co-operation in Ukraine. The objective of this study is to justify the implementation of European principles, mechanisms and tools of corporate governance, based on a comprehensive analysis, with the aim of optimising the planning processes and the development of a multi-level system of consumer co-operation in Ukraine. The fundamental characteristics of co-operative systems have been elucidated, and the principal distinctions between them and corporations have been identified. The functions of the corporate governance system are examined and a conclusion is reached regarding their alignment with the responsibilities and principles of consumer co-operation. The factors that contributed to the success of the development of the consumer co-operation trade sphere in the Soviet period are identified. This study considers the information base for planning the retail turnover of consumer co-operatives in the context of a planned economy. It identifies the main shortcomings and weaknesses of this approach. The principal indicators of activity for consumer co-operatives in Ukraine are examined in the context of their statutory mission. In light of the application of the substitution method, potential indicators of trade turnover for consumer co-operatives, contingent upon collaboration up to the level of 1990, are modelled. It can be concluded that the system of consumer co-operation has not yet fully adapted to the new economic conditions, new legislation and processes of increasing competition in the market, despite the transition to a market economy. In light of the aforementioned circumstances, it is imperative to implement European principles of corporate governance and contemporary international principles governing the advancement of the co-operative movement within the framework of consumer co-operation. The principles of corporate governance, developed by such international organisations as the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, the European Confederation of Shareholder Associations, and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, have been subjected to detailed analysis. The evolution of the corporate governance system has been delineated with respect to the consumer co-operation. This trend coincides with the imperative necessity for the consumer co-operation of Ukraine to reform its planned system, which represents a key component of its commitment to more effective management. The necessity for additional harmonisation of Ukrainian co-operative legislation with European legislation has been established. The composition of the information base for the development of indicators of the plan of retail turnover of the consumer society in the modern context is justified. The article's primary conclusions are that the negative trends and the quantitative and qualitative indicators of consumer co-operatives in Ukraine can be halted and improved through the implementation and advancement of institutional co-operative advantages, which are codified by legislation and validated by both domestic and European experience. Consequently, members of consumer societies and potential shareholders must be regarded as a central object and subject of planning, regulation, operational activities and the development of consumer co-operatives. In the context of the implementation of the decentralisation policy in Ukraine, in order to optimise the relations between co-operative enterprises and organisations at the horizontal and vertical levels, it is necessary to plan the development of the co-operative system as a component of regional development. The use of IT technologies will allow automating all operational processes, using the full range of planning forms and methods, and at the same time preserving the scientifically sound principles of consumer co-operation development as a system with the possibility of medium- and long-term planning.

Perceived duration of visual stimuli contracts due to crowding.

Recent research on duration perception suggests that duration encoding is not a single general process but involves several separate processes, some of which are specific to visual modality. Moreover, different functional aspects of visual processing can influence duration perception in distinct ways. One of the most important functions of the visual system is to identify and recognize features, shapes, and objects. However, it is still unclear whether and how computations related to these processes affect duration perception. To clarify this issue, we used a spatial crowding phenomenon, which allows the dissociation of low-level feature extraction from high-level processes such as object recognition. We created letter and vernier stimuli matched for their low-level properties but different in their discriminability due to spatial crowding. Here, we show that stimuli that became more difficult to discriminate appeared shorter in duration (data collected in 2019-2023). This difference in perceived duration could not be explained by low-level stimulus properties, cognitive bias due to discriminability, or perceived stimulus onsets or offsets. These results suggest the existence of time-sensitive structures specific to visual processing of features, shapes, and objects that is affected by crowding. These findings support the notion of distributed timing mechanisms in the visual system. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Cardiorespiratory and circadian clock markers in intensive care unit patients.

Biological synchronized rhythmicity is a critical physiological process. The lack of synchronized rhythms, mainly those showing a circadian basis, like sleep, the heart rate (HR) and arterial blood pressure (BP), often leads to several organic challenges, usually associated with adverse outcomes. The aim of the study was to investigate whether the intensive care unit (ICU) environment favors clock genes and cardiorespiratory changes. A total of 22 critically ill patients (16 males; 72.73%) with a mean age of 60.82 ±20.07 years and well-established cardiovascular conditions were selected from ICU. Blood samples were obtained, and total RNA was isolated and reverse-transcribed into complementary DNA (cDNA). A quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was performed to assess the target gene expression levels. The urinary concentration levels of melatonin (MEL) were assessed. The heart rate, BP (systolic - SBP, diastolic - DBP and mean - MBP) and the oxygen saturation (SpO2) levels were assessed as continuous variables. The urinary MEL and Brain and muscle Arnt-like protein-1 (BMAL1) levels were shown to have a non-linear relationship with HR (coefficient (coef): 2.318, p = 0.032; coef: 2.722, p = 0.006, respectively) and SBP (coef: 1.000, p = 0.008; coef: 2.000, p = 0.037, respectively), with an explanatory power of up to 50.3% and 39.7% of the HR and SBP variability, respectively. Melatonin, but not BMAL1, was also shown to have a non-linear relationship with MBP (coef: 1.000, p = 0.007), with an explanatory power of up to 31.3% regarding the MBP variability. The HR and SBP oscillatory dynamics was shown to be related to changes in the genetic expression of BMAL1 and the urinary MEL concentrations. To a lower degree, MEL also impacted the variation of MBP. Our results suggest that not only are circadian functional matrices crucial for the dynamics of vital parameters in critically ill patients, but also that routinely assessed cardiovascular parameters like HR and BP may constitute important markers for the circadian timing system function. These parameters are easy to assess and have a relevant prognostic value regarding recovery outcomes, as well as the morbidity and mortality rates in ICU.

Alterations in T cell immunity over 6–12 months post-COVID-19 infection in convalescent individuals: a screening study

Acute COVID-19 is a viral infection caused by a severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that results in dramatically decreased peripheral blood CD3+T cell count apparently due to alterations of thymic T cell maturation, that can persist long term afterwards. Therefore, we analyzed the levels of peripheral blood TRECs (T-cell receptor excision circles), and investigated the main alterations in peripheral blood T cell subsets in COVID-19 convalescents. We performed molecular quantification of TRECs with “TREC/KREC-AMP PS” kit and flow cytometric analysis of peripheral blood lymphocytes from three groups of patients. The first group contained 109 samples from COVID-19 convalescents (6–12 month post-acute COVID-19) with normal levels of TRECs (TRECn); the second was formed from COVID-19 convalescents (6–12 month post-acute COVID-19) with decreased levels of TRECs (TREClow, n = 29), and healthy control group (HC, n = 18). We noticed no significant differences between all three groups in CD3+T cell relative and absolute numbers. However, CD4+T cell frequencies were decreased in TREClow and TRECn groups compared to HC (40.8% (31.6; 50.1) and 46.4% (40.0; 53.0) vs 53.5% (47.36; 56.9), p 0.001 and р = 0.004, respectively). Furthermore, Th cell levels were decreased in TREClow patients vs HC and TRECn groups (701 cell/1 µL (478; 807) vs 1005 cell/1 µL (700; 1419), р = 0.020, and 876 cell/ 1 µL (661; 1046), р = 0.008, respectively). Finally, both groups of COVID-19 convalescents had increased frequencies of circulating CD8+T cells — 29.4% (20.7; 39.7) in TREClow group, 26.5% (21.1; 32.7) in TRECn group vs 21.3% (17.1; 26.0) in healthy controls (p = 0.024 and р = 0.026, respectively). In TRECn group, CD8+T cell count was elevated vs control range (508 cell/1 µL (372; 622) vs 356 cell/1 µL (247; 531), р = 0.044). Thus, COVID-19 convalescents (6–12 month post-acute COVID-19) showed an imbalance in CD4+and CD8+T cell level even at 6–12 months post-acute SARS-CoV-2 infection, and the observed changes in peripheral blood T cells could be closely related to the alterations in thymic T cell maturation and differentiation. Such a long-term decline in TREC levels in the circulation may have a profound impact on immune system functions and requires immunocorrection therapy.

Chemical Characterization and In Vitro Evaluation of Glucans from Fermentation-Produced Nutraceutical Bionutri-AR1®: Antioxidant and Immunomodulatory Properties

Background: The consumption of nutraceuticals or food supplements has increased crucially, aiming to address nutrient deficits and enhance immune system function. To develop safe food products with unique nutritional and functional benefits, new production methods of these nutraceuticals such as the fermentative process have been gaining prominence for industrial applications. Bionutri-AR1® is a nutraceutical produced via this bioprocess, featuring a complex composition, that has been used to improve the immune systems of debilitated people. Objectives: Considering the various biological properties attributed to glucans, one of its main components, this study aims to structurally characterize and evaluate, in vitro, the antioxidant and immunomodulatory potential of the polymers from this nutraceutical to assess whether these polymers contribute to the product’s reported biological effects. Methods/Results: Unlike previous reports, this study characterized by NMR, GC-MS, and Congo Red assay techniques two main glucans: a water-insoluble linear α-D-glucan with glycosidic bonds (1→4) and a soluble branched (1→3)- and (1→6)-linked β-glucan with a triple helix. Both glucans showed significant antioxidant activity, measured by their capacity to scavenge 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals. They were also capable of inducing the secretion of cytokines such as tumoral necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 10 (IL-10), and interleukin 6 (IL-6), determined through capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), especially when co-stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Conclusions: This suggests a dual action of these glucans in both proinflammatory and regulatory pathways. Future studies will describe the mechanisms by which these glucans, especially the insoluble ones, enhance immune system function, highlighting their potential use in immunotherapy.

Research on the Correlation between Quantum Entanglement and Thinking Consciousness

The development of quantum technology has profoundly influenced research on consciousness. By analyzing the interaction of various microscopic particles in the universe, the article proposed that all things exhibit interconnected non-locality in both time and space, and that the interrelated connections of everything in the universe are based on quantum entanglement. Through analysis of the cellular and nervous system functions of organisms, as well as the influence of quantum science theories on consciousness and combined with research results in related fields, this paper presents the following viewpoints: first, life bodies exhibit quantum entanglement phenomena. Second, biological electricity phenomena are closely tied to consciousness. Third, both life bodies and non-life bodies are conscious, but different entities exhibit varying degrees of strong and weak consciousness. The strong and weak thinking consciousness influences the fluctuation of quantum and the size of quantum entanglement degree. Quantum fluctuations affect the consciousness of both life bodies and non-life bodies, and the entanglement quantum influences the degree of inductance between each other. Finally, the combination of quantum entanglement technology and thinking consciousness can realize the interconnection between human beings and the universe. Consciousness may affect the results measured in quantum mechanics when people observe. However, the macroscopic world mainly adopts the laws of classical physics to solve problems in life. Under certain conditions, the law of quantum physics and the law of classical physics can affect people’s lives together. No matter what angle we view the material world, it is real, and the universe is not illusory.

АНАЛИЗ КАЧЕСТВА ПОЛИМЕРИЗАЦИИ БАЗИСНЫХ ПЛАСТМАСС

The issue of restoring dental defects is relevant for modern dentistry. Restoration of the functions of the dental system is possible by partial or complete removable laminar dentures which basis is made of lamellar plastics in the most cases. It is necessary to strictly observe the temperature regime of polymerization of plastics, since structural defects in the material can form, causing complications after prosthetics. There are devices for automatic polymerization with a temperature control function, but the most common is the classical method (in a water bath) of making denture bases. Purpose of the study: compare the quality of polymerization of base plastics using the classical method and using modern equipment. Materials and methods: 8 plastic samples were made, 50% of which were polymerized using the classical method, and the other half using an apparatus for hot polymerization of plastic. An external inspection of the samples was carried out and the finishing time of the plates was estimated. After polishing, the samples were examined using an electron microscope. Results and discussion: samples, polymerized using the classical method showed signs of granular porosity, the polishing time was 8 minutes 13 seconds; electron microscopy results revealed the presence of defects, which could lead to complications. Plates polymerized by the instrumental method are homogeneous, polishing time is on average 4 minutes 42 seconds. When these plates were examined with an electron microscope, there were minor defects. Conclusion: it is recommended to polymerize base plastics using devices for hot polymerization of plastics in order to prevent complications from using removable dentures.

Reconstructing the Cooperative Rule of Law as an Alternative for Economic Empowerment of Rural Communities in Indonesia

Cooperatives in the Indonesian economic system function as one of the efforts to achieve national development goals, namely creating a just and prosperous society in accordance with the principles of Pancasila and the 1945 Constitution. The legal basis of cooperatives in Indonesia is regulated by Law Number 25 of 1992 concerning Cooperatives. The purpose of this research is to study the development of cooperative law in Indonesia as an alternative to economic empowerment of rural communities, and analyse the legal construction of cooperatives as an alternative to economic empowerment of rural communities in Indonesia. This research is a normative legal research with a legislative approach and conceptual approach. The results show that the weaknesses in Law No. 25/1992 on Cooperatives, such as the unclear definition of cooperatives, unfulfilled principles, and lack of strict sanctions, indicate that the regulation needs to be reconstructed to address the existing problems and increase public trust in cooperatives. Thus, the reconstruction of Law Number 25 of 1992 on Cooperatives will not only improve cooperative governance, but also make a significant contribution to the economic empowerment of communities in Indonesia, especially in rural areas.

Epigenetic DNA Methylation and Protein Homocysteinylation: Key Players in Hypertensive Renovascular Damage

Hypertension has been a threat to the health of people, the mechanism of which, however, remains poorly understood. It is clinically related to loss of nephron function, glomerular sclerosis, or necrosis, resulting in renal functional declines. The mechanisms underlying hypertension’s development and progression to organ damage, including hypertensive renal damage, remain to be fully elucidated. As a developing approach, epigenetics has been postulated to elucidate the phenomena that otherwise cannot be explained by genetic studies. The main epigenetic hallmarks, such as DNA methylation, histone acetylation, deacetylation, noncoding RNAs, and protein N-homocysteinylation have been linked with hypertension. In addition to contributing to endothelial dysfunction and oxidative stress, biologically active gases, including NO, CO, and H2S, are crucial regulators contributing to vascular remodeling since their complex interplay conducts homeostatic functions in the renovascular system. Importantly, epigenetic modifications also directly contribute to the pathogenesis of kidney damage via protein N-homocysteinylation. Hence, epigenetic modulation to intervene in renovascular damage is a potential therapeutic approach to treat renal disease and dysfunction. This review illustrates some of the epigenetic hallmarks and their mediators, which have the ability to diminish the injury triggered by hypertension and renal disease. In the end, we provide potential therapeutic possibilities to treat renovascular diseases in hypertension.

Determining the reliability function of the thermal power system in power plant 'Nikola Tesla, Block B1' using the Weibull distribution

The assessment of thermal power system reliability represents a key step towards maintaining the stability and efficiency of the system. Through the application of mathematical models, risk analysis, and maintenance strategies, it is possible to optimise system performance and reduce the risk of failures. This paper presents an assessment of the reliability of the thermal energy system in fossil fuel power plant ‘Nikola Tesla, Block B1’, based on a twelve-year failure database. By implementing the theory of reliability, based on statistics and theory of possibility, and using the simple and complex two-parameter Weibull distribution, the theoretical functions of the failure rate are determined. A significant advantage of such a study is the opportunity of an early and in-depth understanding of the logic and mechanisms of system risk behaviour, and a more precise assessment of its functioning throughout future exploitation.

Improved General Relativity Search Algorithm (IGRSA) for Designing Power System Stabilizers

This paper proposes a novel optimization algorithm for designing power system stabilizers (PSSs). The prospect of attaining higher stability motivated the authors to creat a new optimization algorithm for this study. A novel algorithm named the Improved General. Relativity Search Algorithm (IGRSA) was also developed by cloud theory to improve the performance of GRSA. The supremacy of the proposed approach is tested by comparing it with an introduced objective function in a medium multi-machine power system. The nonlinear simulation results and eigenvalues analysis has demonstrated that the proposed approach in this study is highly effective in enhancing the dynamic stability of the power system.

Six Weeks to Wellness: The Role of Breathing Exercises Based on Motor Development Pattern in Improving Fitness and Quality of Life in Overweight Elderly Women.

Background: Being overweight is a major global health epidemic of the 20th and 21st centuries, which can affect the movement system function of older adult women. This study evaluated the effects of a breathing exercise based on motor development patterns on functional fitness and quality of life in overweight older adult women. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 40 community-dwelling women aged 65-75. Participants were randomly assigned to an intervention group, which completed a 6-week breathing exercise program (three supervised and three home-based sessions per week), or a control group, which maintained usual routines. Outcome measures included cardiovascular fitness, upper and lower body flexibility, muscle strength, dynamic balance, and quality of life, assessed at baseline and post-intervention. Results: The intervention group showed significant improvements in cardiovascular fitness (p < .001, ES = 0.652), upper body flexibility (p < .001, ES = 0.652), lower body flexibility (p < .001, ES = 0.538), upper body strength (p < .001, ES = 0.538), lower body strength (p < .001, ES = 0.538), and dynamic balance (p < .001, ES = 0.475) compared to the control group. Quality of life also significantly improved in the intervention group (p < .001, ES = 0.475). Conclusion: Breathing exercises based on motor development patterns significantly enhance functional fitness and quality of life in overweight older adult women. Incorporating these exercises into regular physical activity routines may promote health and independence in older adults. Further research should explore long-term benefits and optimal exercise parameters for older adults.

Engineered self-assembled protein nanosheets for in situ biosynthesis of peptide anchored protein-semiconductor hybrids for efficient hydrogen production

Catalytic hydrogen production using solar energy is of great significance in addressing the global energy crisis. Herein, an efficient artificial photocatalytic hydrogen production system based on hierarchical protein self-assembly is designed and developed by in situ biosynthesis of peptide-anchored protein-semiconductor hybrids. The self-grown protein-CdS quantum dot hybrids stabilize and array orderly by the predesigned bioengineered proteins assembled into monolayer nanosheets, perfectly mimicking both the structure and function of the natural photosynthetic system. By mild deposition of Pt nanoparticles, the photocatalytic hydrogen production performance of the system is further enhanced to 69100 μmolh−1 (Cd2+) g −1, 80 times the catalytic activity of free CdS. Remarkably, the protein 2D network effectively enhances the water solubility, dispersibility, and solution stability of the inorganic catalytic centers, affording efficient photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. The system maintains 91.2 % catalytic efficiency after 30 days. Furthermore, its hydrogen production rate can be artificially regulated between 69100 and 52100 μmolh−1 (per g Cd2+) by the assembly-disassembly process of the protein templates. Thus, our work showcases the importance of the protein template and its assembly in maintaining the structural stability and high catalytic performance of the photocatalytic system and provides promising ideas for the simulation of natural photosynthetic systems.